Purple

We pick up Beck first. He wears a suit with a blue tie. Then Aron in an all black suit, and black eyeliner. Then Jude in a sparkly purple dress, with sliver eye shadow. Im wearing a gold cocktail dress with black jewelry. We talk on the way. Short, small talk conversations. I can feel Aaron’s nerves. I pass him a glass of champagne. Pouring it from one of the bottles in the cooler. No one else, including myself takes one. It will only make my my nerves worse I’m sure. Though I’ve only drank a few small amounts a couple of times. The wine and champagne is supposed be for my parents and their guests, but no one will notice. The limo stops, and Beck looks a little uncomfortable at the sight of all the cameras.

“The paparazzi aren’t allowed inside.” I explain. “Just don’t talk to them, and stay close. Unless you want to go in though the back?” I offer for the second time. They know I want to make an entrance, and Beck only seems nervous because he’s more of an introvert. That being said he’s a confident introvert, and has gotten more out going as times gone on. It’s been a little while since I’ve taken them to a party with me. It will be nice to get back into the rhythm of things. The persona feels more effortless with out my Father with me. We strep out onto pavement. My heels make a soft click with each step. I smile at the photographers, and wave at the cameras.

“Miss. Ire what can you tell up about your next movie?”

“Miss. Ire what do you have to say about your ex Alex being kicked from his movie?”

“Miss. Ire what do you have to say about your host.”

“I’d like to thank indigo for inviting me. I hope to return the favor.” I smile walking inside. There isn’t a lot of questions after all this isn’t my party. Mostly they just want photos for online articles, magazines, and for the news. We rush inside, and are led to a large ball room. I let Asron have a moment to gape at it. It’s bigger than any room in my own house. Though we live just down the road. The ceiling is round, and tall like a dome. The circular room is made out of some sort of marble, or stone. There’s detailing everywhere, and a polished wood floor. A large chandelier on the ceiling. A buffet table was set up on the side, and staff held up trays of drinks, or hors d’oeuvres. We walk down the steps into the room. It’s strange how old fashion some of the houses on this street look compared the the preferred modern style of the newer skyscrapers, and buildings. I go to greet the host first. Although we’re not the closest I do consider Indigo a friend. Us up in coming stars have to stick together. Besides I’m friends with most celebrities my age. We all run in the same crowds.

“Indie.” I say. She gives me a quick one armed hug.

“It’s so good to see you.” She says. Her dress is a midnight blue. “I’m glad you came. How are your friends. Any lovers in your crowd?” I laugh. I love gossip. Indie particularly loves any gossip about love. “Afraid not. This is my friend Aaron. He, him. Beck. Also he, him. And Jude. She, her.”

“So nice to meet you. What do each of you do?” She asks. The word Indecisive is scrolled on her cheek in a small, pretty handwriting.

“I’m a body guard for Maddie Sly.” Aaron says. Recognition twinkles in Indie’s eyes, but she doesn’t interrupt.

“I work with cosmetics.” Jude states.

“I’m an event photographer currently, but I’ve been writing on the side.” Beck says.

“Your true passion I presume.” She says. He nods. “I need a new make up artist. Are you interested in that sort of thing?” She turns back to Jude. She nods.

“Yes.”

“Right I’ll give you my contacts. Do you do your own make up?” She asks.

“Yes.” She nods approvingly.

“There are some other people I know need new make up artists. They’re hard to come by. Well if you’ll excuse me I have more guests to greet.” She departs. Jude, and Beck go to the buffet table first. Leaving me and Aaron together. There’s a comfortable silence between us. In another life perhaps we would have been more than we are, but even after time has passed my eyes are failing not to him but Beck. I’ve already talked to Jude. Who as I expected doesn’t care. But the question of whether, or not I have the courage to act in my feelings… I watch the other guests dance, and spin.

“So are you going to tell him.” I glare in Aaron’s direction. Ready to say something like, ‘Now isn’t the right time’ when I’m interrupted mid sentence.

“Miss. It’s good to see you again.” A woman just a few years older than me says. “I was quite distressed to find you haven’t gotten back to me about the new movie roles.” Because your supposed to go though my agent, and my Father insists on approving all my auditions. Right now I’m also working on his projects alone. I explained that to her the first two times her, and her people contacted me. How do I get her to buzz off?

“Are you sure my agent didn’t message you back?” I ask.

“Well we emailed you Miss. Ire.” She says as if that’s both obvious, and the norm for how these things are done.

“Well it’s no wonder I rarely check my emails. That’s what an agents for. I’ll be sure to have her be in touch with you.” I won’t, but hopefully that will get you to leave me alone for awhile.

“Well actually-“ I interrupt her this time.

“There’s a bit of lipstick on your dress.” I say. She looks down. It’s as I say. A small red smear on her hip. She quickly excuses herself. I put my lipstick tube back in my clutch.

“You really are good at that.” Aaron says.

“I really did try to get her to take a hint.” I say a little exasperated. It’s just like these movie people. Well too bad. I’m here to have fun tonight. “Beck.” I say. “Dance with me?”

“What?” He says.

“Dance with me?” He takes my hand. At least three hours have past. When I look it’s just passed midnight. Me, and Jude talk make about trends the whole way back. Beck is last to be dropped off.

“So Reece?”

“Yes?”

“I’ve been thinking a lot, and you’re clever, and very observant.” I smile. Though I also think to myself about the mask I’m always wearing around everyone. Even if I don’t act that different around my friends I still feel guilty. I guess I was hoping if I played the part long enough it would come naturally to me, and although it was easier for a time. I was never going to be like that forever. Flaws didn’t change. No matter how much I hide it I will always be a manipulator. “You are also talented, fun, and beautiful. Would you go out with me?”

“Yes.” I say. He smiles. We plan to go to the cinema.

“Just not one of my dads movies.” I say.

“Not even one you’re in.” I laugh. I’ve already seen those multiple times. He leaves. I put my fingers to my cheek. If only I had had the courage to go against my fathers wishes, and at least not add a different Flaw. If only I had the courage now. He’s words repeated in my ears. I would tell Beck the truth someday. Just not today.